The Bellevue School District will host an Asian American and Pacific Islander book reading on Wednesday, May 4.

Professionals of different backgrounds will join school administrators to read culturally responsive books to students at Stevenson Elementary School.

Stevenson Elementary School Teacher and Librarian, Jennifer Ching, plans read-ins throughout the year, promoting literacy among BSD students, and sometimes coordinating them to celebrate and highlight ethnic cultures at significant times in history.

Books chosen for this read-in are those written or illustrated by AAPI authors; and students from kindergarten through 5th grade will be read to during the first period of the school day.

“They connect students with book creators that they might not know and give students a chance to see themselves and their friends reflected in both books and readers,” Ching said if the read-ins.

With a host of school administrators and professionals leading the day by reading inspiring literary works to recognize and honor Asian American culture, another goal for the day is to connect with students who most often don’t see themselves reflected in some educational settings and want to see images they can relate to in books, stories and other tools used in the learning process.

“We were fortunate to have staff who create exceptional learning opportunities that connect students to culture, rooted in literacy,” BSD Superintendent Art Jarvis said of the program. “There is nothing quite like a great story to provide a greater context for learning.”

The Bellevue School District, with nearly 20,000 students and 29 schools, believes the program is in-line with the district’s mission “to serve every student academically, socially, and emotionally, through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another’s humanity, we strive to provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students.”